Golf bag with adjustable handle

ABSTRACT

A golf bag with an adjustable handle. A golf bag according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a body, a handle, and a retracting member. An attachment member may also be employed for securing a portion of the handle to the bag. The top of the handle is pivotally connected to the body by the attachment member. The bottom of the handle is connected to the body by the retracting member such that the bottom can extend and retract relative to the body. The retracting member passes through an aperture on the body and connects to the bottom portion of the body at a point on the interior of the body. This arrangement allows the handle to pivot and extend away from the body as the bag is lifted. As a result, the handle remains substantially parallel to the plane of the ground while the center of mass of the bag is balanced directly below the handle. This provides an ideal position for carrying a golf bag. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS & PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/672,871, filed 8 Feb. 2007, entitled “Golf Bag With Pivoting Balance Handle,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which claims priority to and the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/743,252, filed 8 Feb. 2006, and entitled “Golf Bag With Pivoting Balance Handle,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to heavy bags and equipment carriers, and more particularly, to golf bags with an adjustable handle for balancing a loaded golf bag, making the loaded golf bag easier to transport.

BACKGROUND

Most sports and athletic activities require a variety of equipment. This equipment is often times carried by athletes to and from the site where activities take place. Equipment is often heavy and bulky, requiring some form of transporter to carry conveniently. For example, golfers typically use golf bags to store and transport golf clubs and other golfing equipment.

As most golfers know, playing golf requires numerous clubs because each club has different hitting characteristics and an assortment of quality golfing equipment. Rather than carrying a full set of golf clubs by hand, golf bags enable golfers to easily transport golf clubs and golf equipment while playing golf. Golf bags also allow golfers to store their equipment in one place and easily transport their golf equipment when traveling. Indeed, most golfers utilize golf bags to store golfing equipment such as golf balls, shoes, attire, and refreshments consumed by golfers when playing golf. While golf bags enable golfers to store many items, the weight from these items can cause golf bags to become heavy and difficult to transport by hand. In addition, the uneven mass distribution of the items stored in a golf bag may cause different portions of a golf bag to weigh more than other portions thereby making golf bags harder to transport.

The most common manner of carrying a golf bag is by lifting it by a handle located near the top of the bag. While these conventional golf bag handles enable golfers to carry loaded golf bags, there are drawbacks associated with them. One drawback is that these handles do not adjust to balance the load of a golf bag when carried. Many golfers who have carried golf bags have experienced the uneven weight of a loaded golf bag that makes carrying heavily loaded golf bags challenging. This can lead to various shoulder, arm, and back injuries, especially in golfers who may be elderly or those who have trouble carrying heavy golf bags. This problem has been recognized, but no adequate solution has been developed until now.

An example of conventional attempts to remedy this problem can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0249552 to Chang. Chang discloses a golf bag with an angled handle. The handle in Chang, however, is fixed to the body and incapable of adjusting to the different loads of the bag. Until now, there has remained a need for an adjustable golf bag handle that would allow a user to comfortably carry the bag.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The various embodiments of the present invention provide an equipment carrier with an adjustable handle that solves the above mentioned problems and others associated with conventional equipment carrier handles. The particular disclosed embodiments of the equipment carrier are directed to a golf bag. Other embodiments of the equipment carrier, however, can be used for carrying a variety of equipment, such as bats, hockey sticks, skis, etc. Various embodiments of the invention are to an adjustable handle for a golf bag. The handle advantageously adjusts and balances the load of a golf bag. In particular, the handle is designed such that it remains substantially parallel to the plane of the ground as the center of mass of the bag is balanced directly below the handle.

The exemplary embodiments of a golf bag comprise a body defining an interior and an exterior and a handle having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion in pivotal communication with the body, the second portion in retractable communication with the body.

These and other features as well as advantages, which characterize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a golf bag and adjustable handle.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a handle in a retracted position.

FIG. 2 b illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a handle in an extended position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a handle in an extended position being carried.

FIG. 4 illustrates a frontal view of exemplary embodiments of the handle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment member.

FIG. 6 illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of a retracting member.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of constructing an exemplary embodiment of the golf bag with an adjustable retractable handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED & ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention provide a golf bag with an adjustable handle. The golf bag with an adjustable handle can comprise multiple parts or members that are pivotally and rotatably connected so the adjustable handle can move in response to the mass of a loaded golf bag. The adjustable handle enables golfers to easily manually transport a golf bag that may be loaded unevenly due to the uneven weight of golf clubs and positioning of storage compartments on a golf bag. A golf bag with an adjustable handle according to embodiments of the present invention can automatically adjust so that the mass of the golf bag is balanced about the handle of the golf bag. Thus, the embodiments of the present invention provide a golf bag that is easy to carry because the user does not have to worry about carrying an uneven golf bag. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention also assist in preventing injury from carrying unevenly weighted golf bags.

Physics and geometry determine the most comfortable, natural, and ergonomic manner for carrying objects using a handle. The exemplary position for carrying an object is with the arm straight at the user's side, grasping a handle substantially parallel to the plane of the ground, and the center of mass of the object directly below the handle. Such a position is not possible with traditional golf bags, because the handle is substantially parallel to and located near the top of the body of the bag, and the center of mass of a loaded bag is near the bottom. In practice, when a bottom heavy golf bag is picked up by a conventional handle, the body of the golf bag and consequently the handle are at a substantial angle to the plane of the ground. This puts strain on the wrist and requires the user to bend his/her elbow. The natural response is to attempt to level out the handle by twisting it, which moves the center of mass of the bag from directly below the handle, generating a moment of force about the handle. This creates great strain in the user's wrist and arm.

There are two options for overcoming this situation. One is changing the center of mass of the golf bag and another is adjusting the handle. Changing the center of mass would be highly impractical, if not impossible, since the center of mass depends on the weight, shape, and position of the objects loaded in the bag. Changing the angle of the handle in relation to the body of the bag in response to different loads is feasible, and is accomplished by the various embodiments of the present invention.

Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are directed to a golf bag with an adjustable handle. Such exemplary embodiments provide a comfortable and ergonomic means for carrying a golf bag. The handle preferably remains substantially parallel to the plane of the ground and balances the load of the bag evenly in the user's hand. At the same time, the center of mass of the loaded golf bag can be balanced directly below the handle. This advantageously provides an optimal carrying arrangement that does not place stress on the wrist, arm, or elbow, and enables a natural carrying position.

According to some exemplary embodiments, when a golfer picks up a bag with an adjustable handle, the top of the handle pivots and the bottom of the handle extends away from the bag. This changes the angle between the handle and the body of the bag. Further, the center of mass of the bag will naturally fall directly below the handle due to handle configuration. As a result, the optimal carrying position will be achieved with the handle substantially parallel to the ground and the center of mass of the golf bag directly below the handle.

In an exemplary embodiment, a golf bag comprises a body defining an interior and an exterior, and a handle having a first portion and a second portion. An attachment member is in communication with the first portion of the handle and the body at a first attachment point. A retractable member is in communication with the second portion of the handle and the body at a second attachment point. The first portion may pivot or rotate about the attachment member relative to the body. The second portion may move away from and toward the body, with the assistance of the retractable member.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The golf bag 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 20. The bag 10 also comprises a rigid frame (not pictured) constructed preferably from metal or plastic. The body 20 is substantially hollow, and can house or hold golf clubs and other golfing equipment. The body 20 comprises an interior and exterior surface, as well as a top and bottom region. The exterior surface may be constructed from a variety of materials such as leather, nylon, cotton and cotton blends, plastic, or other suitable materials. The exterior surface may comprise a number of pockets, compartments, and opening for storing and accepting items. The top of the bag is open and may comprise slotted dividers for accepting and organizing golf clubs. The bottom of the bag is closed to support and prevent the clubs from falling out.

A handle 30 is provided for picking up the golf bag 10. The handle 30 comprises a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. The handle 30 is preferably contoured to fit comfortably in the user's hand. The handle 30 is preferably rigid or semi-rigid and constructed from metal, plastic, rubber, or other suitable materials so that it does not bend or deform in the user's hand under the weight of the bag. The handle 30 preferably is wrapped or covered with a foam, leather, rubber, fabric, or other padded material to improve carrying comfort.

An attachment member 40 is in communication with the first portion 31 and the body 20 at a first attachment point 41. The first attachment point 41 is preferably at or near the top region of the body 20. The first portion 31 preferably pivots or rotates about the attachment member 40. The attachment member 40 is preferably affixed to the exterior surface or the frame of the bag 10 at the first attachment point 41. In other contemplated embodiments, the attachment member is integral with either the handle 30 or the body 20. In further contemplated embodiments, the attachment member 40 may be omitted and the first portion 31 may communicate directly with the first attachment point 41.

A retracting member 50 is in communication with the second portion 32 and the body 20 at a second attachment point 51. The second attachment point 51 is preferably spaced apart from the first attachment point 41. It can be located at any of a plurality of points on the exterior or interior of the body 20, below the first attachment point 41. The illustrated location of the second attachment point 51 is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. The retracting member 50 is preferably elastic. The elasticity of the retracting member 50 enables retractable communication between the second portion 32 and the body 20. Retractable communication can mean, but is not limited to, the second portion 32 extending away from the body 20 as the handle 30 is grasped, and retracting proximate to the body 20 as the handle 30 is released as the retracting member 50 decreases in length or contracts. In other contemplated embodiments, the retracting member 50 can be rigid and coupled to a spring, a winding reel, or other mechanism capable or retracting a strap.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the handle 30 can adjust relative to the body 20. The handle 30 adjusts by moving between two preferable positions: the retracted position and the extended position. When the bag 10 is at rest (i.e., not being carried) the handle 30 is in the retracted position. FIG. 2 a illustrates the retracted position. The extended position refers to the handle 30 being fully extended and all the varying degrees of extension between the fully extended and retracted positions. In the retracted position, the retracting member 50 is substantially contracted and the second portion 32 is proximate to the body 20. In the retracted position, the body axis 60 and the handle axis 70 are substantially parallel, and the angle between the two axes is zero or close to zero. In other contemplated embodiments, the handle 30 may be contoured or arranged in such a manner that there exists an angle between the handle axis 70 and the body axis 60.

When the bag 10 is being carried the handle 30 can be in the extended position. FIG. 2 b illustrates the handle 30 in an extended position. (FIG. 2 b does not depict the bag being carried, only the handle in an extended position. For simplicity, the body 20 is depicted as being perpendicular to the ground although when being carried it would be at an angle). When the user picks up the bag 10 by the handle 30, the first portion 31 pivots or rotates relative to the body 20, and the second portion 32 extends away from the body 20 as the retracting member 50 elongates. In an extended position, the body axis 60 and the handle axis 70 are no longer parallel. The handle 30 in an extended position is at an angle θ relative to the body 20.

When the bag 10 is set down and the handle 30 returns to a resting state, the retracting member 50 decreases in length and the second portion 32 is retracted back to a position proximate to the body 20. In this manner, the handle 30 transitions between an extended position and a retracted position.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the bag 10 is carried, the handle 10 is in an extended position. FIG. 3 illustrates the bag 10 being carried. When the user grasps the handle 30 and lifts the bag 10, the body 20 swings below the user's hand, since the handle 30 is located near the top of the body 20 and the bag 10 is bottom heavy. As the body 20 swings, the handle 30 moves from the retracted position to an extended position. This allows the user to easily hold the handle 30 such that the handle axis 70 is parallel to the plane of the ground. The handle 30 is in the extended position when the bag 10 is carried. Preferably, the handle axis 70 is substantially parallel to the plane of the ground. As the bag 10 is lifted, the center of mass 80 will fall preferably on a line perpendicular to the axis of the handle 70 and the plane of the ground. As a result, the handle 30 will advantageously evenly distribute the weight of the loaded bag 10 in the user's hand. This feature prevents twisting the wrist or straining the user's arm. Other contemplated embodiments do not require the axis of the handle 70 to be substantially parallel to the plane of the ground or for the center of mass to be on a line directly between the handle and the ground.

In an exemplary embodiment the attachment member 40 may be a strap 90. An exemplary embodiment of the bag 10 with a strap 90 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The strap 90 is preferably flexible and constructed of a material such as nylon, a heavy woven fabric, or other suitable material. The first portion 31 preferably may comprise a first integral bore or slot 100. The strap 90 passes through the first slot 100, coupling with the handle 30, and forming a loop. The strap 90 is attached to the body 20 or the frame. The strap 90 is preferably attached at or near the top region of the body 20. The communication between the first portion 31 and the strap 90 is pivotal. The handle 30 can pivot about the strap 90 as the user lift the bag 10.

Other contemplated embodiments may not employ a strap as an attachment member 40. For example, the attachment member 40 may be a block formed from plastic, metal, rubber, or another material. The attachment member 40 may pass through a first slot 100. In further embodiments, the first slot 100 may be located on the attachment member 40. In such embodiments, the first portion 31 pass through the first slot 100. In the contemplated exemplary embodiments, the communication between the first portion 31 and the attachment member 40 is pivotal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment member 40 can be a set of brackets as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this exemplary embodiment a first bracket 141 and a second bracket 142 are connected the first portion 31 and to the body 20. The brackets 141, 142 are preferably constructed from metal, plastic, hard rubber, wood, carbon fiber, or another suitable material. The proximate ends of the first bracket 141 and the second bracket 142 are rotatably coupled to the body 20. Preferably, brackets 141, 142 are coupled at or near the top region of the body 20. Preferably, a first disc 151 and a second disc 152 are attached to the body 20 by fasteners 151′ and 152′. The discs 151, 152 protrude from the body 20. The proximate ends 141′ and 142′ of the brackets 141, 142 comprise bores communicating with the discs 151, 152. The brackets 141, 142 rotate about the discs 151, 152. Other contemplated embodiments employ other manners of rotatably attaching brackets 141, 142 to the body 20. For example, screws, bolts, pins, swivels or other suitable fasteners may be used to attach brackets 141, 142 to the frame of the body.

The distal ends 141 ″ and 142″ of brackets 141, 142 are attached to the first portion 31. Preferably, the distal ends 141″, 142″ of the brackets 141, 142 and the first portion 31 comprise coaxially aligned bores. Through these bores a pin, bolt, screw, or other attachment member may pass. The brackets 141, 142 and the first portion are rotatably coupled. As a user lifts the bag 10, the first portion 31 and distal ends 141″, 142″ of the brackets 141, 142 rotate relative to each other. Preferably substantially simultaneously, the proximate ends of the brackets 141, 142 rotate relative to the body 20.

In a resting position, the brackets 141, 142 are preferably attached to the body at points above the first portion 31. As a result, rotation of the brackets 141, 142 causes the handle 30 to move away from the body as well as vertically relative to the body axis 60. This enables for improved adjustment of the handle under different load conditions of the bag 10.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the retractable member 50 is a retracting strap 120. The exemplary embodiment comprising the retracting strap 120 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The retracting strap 120 may be fully or partially stretchable. The retracting strap 120 may be constructed from a variety of materials such a blends of nylon, spandex, cotton, rubber, or other suitable elastic fabrics and materials. A first end 120′ of the retracting strap 120 preferably passes through a second integral bore or slot 110 located on the second portion 32. The retracting strap 120 preferably loops through the slot 110 and connects to itself. A second end 120″ of the retracting strap 120 connects to the body 20. The retracting strap 120 may connect to the exterior surface of the body 20, the frame of the bag 10, or at the point located on the interior of the body 20. The retracting strap 120 preferable connects to the body 20 below the point at which the attachment member 40 connects to the body 20.

In other contemplated embodiments, the retracting strap may comprise a hole or opening though which the second portion 32 passes and attaches. Other contemplated embodiments include integrating the retracting strap 120 with a portion of the handle 30. For example, if the handle 30 is formed of rubber, the retracting strap may be bonded within the strap. Embodiments are contemplated wherein the handle 30 and retracting strap 120 are pivotally connected or rigidly affixed to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the retracting member 50 is coupled to the bottom portion of the interior of the body 20. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an aperture 130 spans and defines a portal between the exterior and interior of the body 20. The retracting member 50 passes from exterior to the body 20 through the aperture 130 into the interior. The aperture 130 is preferably located below the point at which the attachment member 40 connects to the body 20. The dashed lines depict a cutaway of the body 20, showing the interior. In other contemplated embodiments, the retracting member 50 can attach to the frame of the bag 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, the retracting member 50 connects to an elastic member 51. In some embodiments, elastic member 51 may be sewn to the retracting member 50. In other embodiments, the elastic member 51 may pass through a loop formed by the bottom end of the retracting member 50. In other contemplated embodiments, the elastic member 51 may connect to the retracting member 50 using a buckle, clasp, ring, or other suitable fastening or connecting element. The elastic member 51 is preferably constructed form an elastic material, such as a bungee cord. The elastic member may be constructed of rubber, rubber over layed with fabric or material, cotton or nylon blended with a stretchable fabric, or another suitable material. The elastic member 51 preferably comprises two legs 52 and 53. The legs 52, 53 preferably attach to different point located at or near the bottom region of the interior of the body 20.

In other contemplated embodiments, the retracting member 50 connects directly to the interior of the body 20. For example, the bottom section of the retracting member 50 preferably splits into a first segment and a second segment, both of which connect to the frame or interior of the body at separate points. In other contemplated embodiments the retracting member 50 does not split into two segments and connects to the interior of the body at a single point. It is also contemplated that the retracting member connects to the interior of the body 20 at any point between the aperture 130 and the bottom of the body 20.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a golf bag with an adjustable retractable handle 200. The first step of the method is to provide a body for the golf bag 210. The body preferably comprises a metal or plastic frame. A surface structure defining the shape of the bag is attached to and supported by the frame. The surface of the body can be leather, nylon, or another suitable fabric. An attachment is connected to the body 220. The attachment member is preferably connected at a point at or near the top region of the body. The attachment member may be one or more brackets rotatably connected to the body and the top of the handle. The brackets may be connected with screws, bolts, pins inserted into coaxial bores, or other suitable fastening means. The brackets are preferably metal, plastic, or another suitable material. In other contemplated embodiments, the attachment member may be a strap forming a loop connected pivotally to the top of the handle. The loop may be formed by sewing, gluing, or otherwise affixing an end of the strap to another portion of the strap. The strap is preferably leather, nylon, or another suitable fabric or material.

A handle is provided and the top of the handle is preferably pivotally connected to the attachment member 230. The handle is preferably contoured to ergonomically fit the user's hand. The handle preferably may be constructed from metal, plastic, leather, nylon, or another suitable material. The handle is preferably wrapped or padded with foam, leather, fabric, or another suitable cushioning material. The bottom of the handle is retractably attached to body such that the bottom of the handle can extend away from the body and be pulled back to the body 240.

A retracting member is preferably attached to the bottom of the handle and to a point on the body. The retracting member is preferably elastic. The retracting member is passed through an aperture on the body into the interior of the body and connected to at least one point inside the body 250. The retracting member may comprise two segments. The upper segment may be elastic and connect to the bottom portion of the handle. Lower segment may be inelastic or rigid and comprise two leg portions. Each of the leg portions is may preferably be attached at different points on the interior of the body.

While the various embodiments of this invention have been described in detail with particular reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to the above discussed embodiments, and should only be defined by the following claims and all applicable equivalents. 

1. A golf bag comprising: a body defining an interior and an exterior; and a handle having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion in pivotal communication with the body, the second portion in retractable communication with the body.
 2. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising a retracting member in communication with the second portion and the interior of the body, the retracting member configured such that the second portion transitions between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body.
 3. The golf bag of claim 2, further comprising an aperture defining a portal between the interior and exterior of the body, wherein the retracting member is in operable communication with the aperture.
 4. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising a retracting member having a first segment and a second segment, wherein the second segment comprises a plurality of parts each in communication with the interior of the body.
 5. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising an attachment member in communication with the body and in pivotal communication with the first portion.
 6. The golf bag of claim 2, wherein in the extended position the axis of the handle is at an angle to the axis of the body.
 7. The golf bag of claim 1, comprising a retracting member having a first segment and a second segment, the first segment in communication with the second portion and constructed from an inelastic material, the second segment constructed from an elastic material further comprising two ends each connected to the interior of the bag at points spaced apart from each other, the first segment and the second segment operationally joined to each other at a point within the interior of the bag, wherein the retracting member enables retractable communication between the second portion and the body.
 8. A golf bag comprising: a body defining an interior and an exterior surface; a handle having a first portion and a second portion; the first portion in rotatable communication with the body at a first attachment point; and the second portion retractably secured to the body at a second attachment point, the second attachment point being spaced apart from the first attachment point, the second portion being configured to move between the exterior surface and a point spaced apart from the body, and retract toward the exterior surface.
 9. The golf bag of claim 8, further comprising a retracting member in communication with the second portion and the second attachment point, the retracting member configured such that the second portion can move away from the exterior surface due to a grasping force and can be retracted to a position proximate the exterior surface in a resting state.
 10. The golf bag of claim 8, further comprising an aperture spanning the interior and exterior surface, and a retracting member passing through the aperture and in communication with the second portion and the interior of the body.
 11. The gold bag of claim 8, wherein the second attachment point is located at or near the bottom of the interior of the body.
 12. The golf bag of claim 8, further comprising two brackets, each bracket in rotatable communication with the first portion, and in rotatable communication with the exterior surface at two attachment points spaced apart from each other.
 13. The golf bag of claim 8, further comprising a retracting member in communication with the second portion, and an elastic member in communication with the retracting member and the interior of the body at two attachment points spaced apart from each other.
 14. The golf bag of claim 13, wherein the retracting member is not stretchable and the elastic member is stretchable.
 15. The golf bag of claim 8, the handle further defines an axis of the handle that in the extended position remains substantially parallel to the plane of the ground, and the angle between the axis of the handle and the axis of the body is greater than zero when the bag is lifted, and the center of mass of the bag is substantially on a line perpendicular to the axis of the handle and the axis of the bag.
 16. A method to make a golf bag with an adjustable retractable handle comprising: providing a body; connecting an attachment member to the body; pivotally connecting the top of a handle to attachment member; retractably attaching the bottom of the handle to the body such that the bottom of the handle can extend away from the body and be pulled back to the body.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising connecting the attachment member to a point on the top region of the body.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising rotatably connecting one or more brackets to the body, and rotatably connecting the top of the handle to said one or more brackets.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: passing the retracting member from outside the body through an aperture on the body into the interior of the body and connecting the retracting member to at least one point inside the body.
 20. The method of claim 16, connecting a strap forming a loop to the top region of the body, and pivotally connecting the top of the handle to said strap. 